Waipara Valley Half-Day Winetasting Tour by Canterbury Leisure Tours

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Duration: 4h
Location: Waipara Valley, New Zealand | Waipara Valley, New Zealand


Category: Food & Drink

Highlights:
Verdant expanse of the Waipara Valley & Southern Alps
Insight into the soil & grape varietals of North Canterbury
Tastings of award-winning vintages at 4 boutique wineries
Stops include Pegasus Bay, Waipara Springs & Greystone Wines
Expert-led tastings to help highlight distinctive flavors

Inclusions:
Guided tour of the Waipara Valley
Winetastings at 4 wineries
Roundtrip transportation to and from your Christchurch hotel
Live tour commentary provided in English

Description:

The sprawling lowlands of the Waipara Valley, hemmed by the Southern Alps, boast a cool, dry climate and get plenty of sunshine, making them ideal for producing world-class wines. Sip your way through the valley on this half-day tour, visiting 4 fantastic wineries with a local guide.

From Christchurch, ride north along the coast. Watch the urban landscape fade away, its place taken by gently undulating plains blanketed in rows of grape vines. The Waipara Valley's mineral-rich soils, hot summers, and long, dry winters have made this small, burgeoning wine region one of New Zealand's best. Find out why during your first stop at Pegasus Bay, where you can learn more about the unique features of the area and its terroir—the characteristics of the soil that give a wine its distinctive qualities.

Swirl a refined, Burgundy-style pinot noir and share tasting notes on bright rieslings and earthy chardonnays, and then continue on to Waipara Springs Winery. One of the oldest estates in the valley, this boutique winery produces fruit-forward varietals in charming natural surroundings. Take a seat in the tasting room to be guided through an array of local varietals and fine vintages.

Your next stop is at the cellar door of Waipara Hills, an award-winning vineyard set among elegant, landscaped gardens. Listen as a knowledgeable staff member guides you through pours of crisp pinot gris and refreshing sauvignon blanc. Finally, top off your tastings at Greystone Wines. Their pinot noir has won international accolades, and this is the perfect place to raise a last toast to your day among the vines.